Northern California-based Sierra Central and First U.S. Community Credit Unions Announce Intent to Merge

Northern California-based Sierra Central and First U.S. Community Credit Unions Announce Intent to Merge to Create a $2 Billion Credit Union

YUBA CITY, CA, UNITED STATES, September 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Sierra Central Credit Union and First U.S. Community Credit Union have announced their plans to merge, pending regulatory approval and a membership vote.

When completed, the merged credit union would exceed $2 billion in assets, operate with more than 300 employees at 23 branches across Northern California, and serve more than 114,000 members.

Sierra Central, headquartered in Yuba City, would be the continuing entity.

Shonna Shearson, First U.S. current CEO, will lead the combined organization. Ron Sweeney, Sierra Central’s CEO, will retire once the merger is approved and the credit unions become one.

“At First U.S., our purpose has always been to help people build better lives through trusted financial guidance and genuine relationships," Shearson said. "By bringing together two strong, community-focused credit unions, we're creating an organization that's better equipped to serve our members today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow. This is about honoring what makes each organization special and building an even stronger future together."

Sweeney agreed. “This is a partnership, both organizations are uniting under a shared vision to better serve our members and communities,” he said. This merger brings together the talents, expertise, and resources of both organizations. The combined presence in Northern California creates exciting growth opportunities, and together we can deliver more innovative solutions and enhanced member experiences than either organization could achieve alone.”

The effective legal date (LD1) is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027 with operational integration continuing through 2027-2028.

Layoffs are not anticipated due to the merger as both credit unions value and are committed to retaining talented employees. “People are key to our success,” Shearson said.

As member-owned cooperatives, and under the guidelines of the National Credit Union Administration, full merger approval is contingent upon First U.S. member approval. As the process moves forward, both credit unions will provide information to their respective memberships via their websites, and other applicable communication channels.

Jessica S. Richardson
ALM First
jrichardson@almfirst.com